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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in Iowa

2 Colleges in the United States
$24,463 Avg Student Debt
$64,762 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Geological & Earth Sciences Badge [Geological & Earth Sciences](/majors/physical-sciences/geological-and-earth-sciences/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 5 schools to find the best return on investment for geological & earth sciences students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in Iowa

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in geological & earth sciences, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Geological & Earth Sciences Schools

1
University Of Iowa crest
University Of Iowa
Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa earned the #1 spot for value among geological & earth sciences schools in Iowa. University Of Iowa is a very large public school located in the city of Iowa City. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for geological & earth sciences graduates is $24,463. Early-career geological & earth sciences graduates make about $57,375. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%.

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 5 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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